Why Your Twenty-Something Feels Stuck—And How Coaching Can Help

As parents, one of the hardest things to witness is our child feeling lost, stuck, or unsure of themselves. When your twenty-something drifts without direction, struggles with motivation, or feels overwhelmed by the weight of adulthood, you feel it too. You want them to thrive, to discover who they are, and to wake up each day with energy and excitement for their future.

We’re Erin and Chris, parents to four teens and young adults—and life coaches who’ve walked this very road. We’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to support your child when they’re stuck. We’ve also seen the incredible breakthroughs that can happen when they receive the right guidance and support.

In this article, we’ll explore why so many young adults feel stuck—and how life coaching can help them rediscover confidence, clarity, and purpose.

The “Quarter-Life Crisis” Is Real

For many young adults, their twenties feel less like a launchpad and more like quicksand. They may have left high school or college with excitement, only to find themselves uncertain about their career path, drowning in distractions, or doubting themselves at every step.

Common signs your young adult feels stuck:

• They lack motivation to set or pursue meaningful goals.

• They constantly compare themselves to others.

• They spend hours scrolling on their phone but avoid making real progress.

• They start things but rarely follow through.

• They feel “behind” in life compared to their peers.

As parents, it can leave you wondering: How do I help without pushing them away?

Why Parents Can’t Do It All Alone

Here’s the truth we’ve learned: young adults often struggle to open up fully to their parents. It’s not because they don’t love you—it’s because this stage of life is about building independence. They may resist advice from mom or dad, even when your wisdom is exactly what they need.

This is where a neutral, caring, and experienced coach makes a difference. A coach creates a safe environment where your child can explore who they are, free of judgment or expectation. And because we’ve walked alongside hundreds of young adults, we know how to ask the right questions that open doors to self-discovery.

How Life Coaching Helps Twenty-Somethings Break Free

Life coaching isn’t about giving your young adult a to-do list. It’s about empowering them to see what’s possible and helping them design the tools and habits to get there.

Here are a few powerful ways coaching makes a difference:

1. Clarity and Confidence

Your young adult learns to identify their values, strengths, and passions—so they can make choices rooted in authenticity, not fear.

2. Vision for the Future

We guide them to create a clear, inspiring picture of where they want to go—whether that’s in career, relationships, or personal growth.

3. Habits That Last

From daily rituals like journaling and exercise to long-term focus strategies, coaching helps build habits that fuel energy and motivation.

4. Overcoming Distraction

Instead of being ruled by social media, procrastination, or negative self-talk, coaching teaches them how to focus on what truly matters.

5. Empowered Identity

Perhaps most importantly, they begin to see themselves as capable, resilient, and worthy of the life they’re dreaming about.

A Parent’s Perspective: You’re Not Alone

We’ll be honest—it’s not easy to watch your young adult struggle. As parents ourselves, we’ve sat with the same fears: Will they find their way? Will they waste years feeling lost?

That’s why we created Extraordinary Purpose. Not only do we coach young adults, but we also support parents—because you need encouragement, too. Coaching is not just about your child; it’s about strengthening the family as a whole.

When Is the Right Time for Coaching?

If you’ve noticed any of these red flags, it may be the perfect time to explore life coaching:

• Your young adult avoids important conversations about the future.

• They cycle through jobs, majors, or goals without clear direction.

• Their self-esteem is low, and they struggle to believe in themselves.

• They say they feel “lazy,” “behind,” or “unmotivated.”

• You’ve tried to help, but it only leads to tension or arguments.

The Extraordinary Purpose Difference

At Extraordinary Purpose, we believe every young adult deserves the chance to live with clarity, motivation, and confidence.

Our 3-Pillar Coaching Framework guides them through:

1. Self-Discovery – uncovering their strengths, passions, and authentic self.

2. Vision and Goals – creating short- and long-term goals rooted in purpose.

3. Empowered Identity – building daily rituals and habits to sustain motivation and energy.

Final Thoughts for Parents

If your twenty-something feels stuck, you don’t have to wait for things to “work themselves out.” With the right support, your child can shift from lost and unmotivated to clear, excited, and empowered. We’ve seen it happen time and again, and we’d love to help your family experience that transformation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t wait for another season to pass by. Give your young adult the gift of clarity, confidence, and purpose.